Pasta al Forno

Pasta al Forno, or baked pasta, is a delicious Italian dish that combines layers of pasta, meat, cheese, and sauce. It’s a comforting meal option, often enjoyed during family dinners or special occasions. With savory flavors and gooey melted cheese, this dish is sure to please. While the preparation involves multiple steps, the final result is a delightful baked pasta that looks and tastes great. With this recipe, you can create a hearty Pasta al Forno that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb Italian sausage
• 1 box rigatoni pasta, 16 oz
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 jar marinara sauce, 24 oz
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until slightly underdone, about 2 minutes less than directed on the package. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned, breaking up the meat with a spatula. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir the marinara sauce, oregano, and basil into the meat mixture. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce mixture, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated.
6. Grease a baking dish with cooking spray. Pour half of the pasta mixture into the dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
7. Add the remaining pasta mixture over the cheese layer, then top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
8. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Keywords: Baked, Cheesy, Savory, MainCourse, Italian

Spice Rack: Oregano, Basil

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